Paracas & Huacachina: Ballestas Islands, Dune Buggy & Sunset Toast

Summary

Sea lions at Paracas, wild dunes in Huacachina, sunset drinks in the desert

You’ll wake early in Lima for a luxury bus ride to Paracas, cruise out to see sea lions at Ballestas Islands, then taste fresh ceviche before heading into the desert oasis of Huacachina. Race dune buggies, try sandboarding (lying down is fine!), and share a sunset toast on golden sands before heading back—with more memories than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was how quiet Lima’s streets felt before sunrise, just a few headlights gliding past as our Peru Hop bus rolled up outside Miraflores. The seats were softer than I expected—almost too easy to doze off again. Our guide, Carla, was already cracking jokes about Peruvian traffic and passing around Wi-Fi codes (my mom appreciated the WhatsApp updates). By the time we reached Paracas, it smelled like salt and fried yucca by the port. I remember squinting at the sunlight bouncing off fishing boats while waiting for coffee that tasted a little burnt but honestly hit the spot.

The Ballestas Islands boat ride was louder than I thought—engine noise mixed with gulls screeching overhead. Sea lions flopped around on black rocks, penguins waddled in their tuxedos (Carla called them “the real locals”), and everyone tried to snap photos without dropping their phones. I kept thinking about how close we were to all this wildlife—like they didn’t care we were there at all. Back on shore, ceviche for lunch—sharp lime and cilantro, cold fish that made my lips tingle. Someone ordered a Pisco Sour and tried to pronounce “Huacachina” (Li laughed when I tried; probably butchered it).

The drive out to Huacachina felt endless but kind of hypnotic—sand everywhere, even inside my shoes somehow. The oasis popped up out of nowhere: green water ringed by palm trees and kids selling ice cream under faded umbrellas. Dune buggies looked like angry grasshoppers revving up for battle. Strapped in next to a couple from Arequipa who screamed louder than me every time we crested another dune—I swear my heart stopped for a second on that first drop. Sandboarding? Let’s just say standing wasn’t really an option for me; lying face down was both terrifying and hilarious (I’m still finding sand weeks later).

Sunset came fast—sky turning orange behind those rolling dunes while someone popped open bottles for our group toast. There was this weird hush right then, just wind and laughter echoing across the sand. On the way back to Lima, popcorn and old movies played while most people slept or scrolled through photos that never quite captured what it actually felt like out there. Still can’t shake that last bit of sunlight over Huacachina—it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paracas and Huacachina day trip

• Pick up from accommodation in Lima
• Travel to Paracas by luxury bus
• Arrive in Paracas and get snacks
• Boat tour to Ballestas Islands
• Free time to enjoy local Peruvian cuisine
• Dune buggy and sandboarding in Huacachina
• Dinner and relax on bus back to Lima
• Arrive back in Lima and drop off

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Lima to Paracas & Huacachina?

The tour leaves early morning from Lima and returns around 11:30 pm or midnight the same day.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ballestas Islands & Huacachina tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, and some areas of downtown Lima.

What animals can you see at Ballestas Islands?

You’ll likely see sea lions, penguins, and many seabirds during the boat tour.

Is food included on this Paracas & Huacachina day trip?

No meals are included but there’s free time for lunch; discounts are available at partner restaurants.

How long is the dune buggy & sandboarding experience?

The dune buggy and sandboarding adventure lasts about two hours—longer than most tours offer.

Are there restrooms on board the Peru Hop bus?

Yes—the buses have onboard restrooms (unique among companies running this route).

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age for dune buggy and sandboarding is 7 years old; otherwise suitable for most fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Lima neighborhoods like Miraflores or Barranco, entry fees for both Ballestas Islands boat tour and dune buggy/sandboarding in Huacachina, free time for lunch (with discounts), high-speed Wi-Fi onboard a luxury bus with reclining seats and restroom facilities throughout the journey—and you’ll end it all with a group sunset toast in the desert before returning late evening.